Spring 2014/Pasadena
LG834/534
Hays
LG834/534: UGARITIC 2: SPECIAL TOPICS IN UGARITOLOGY (4/2 Units). Christopher B. Hays.
DESCRIPTION: This course, the second of a two-course sequence, delves deeper into the language, literature, and culture of Ugarit, giving special attention to the ways that Ugaritology affects the study of the Hebrew Bible. Weekly seminar discussions on selected topics will expose students to the growing literature on Ugarit.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) intermediate competency in translating and understanding the Ugaritic language; (2) familiarity with the Ugaritic textual corpus in translation; (3) ability to articulate the significant contributions of Ugaritology (a) as its own self-contained field within ancient Near Eastern studies and (b) as it informs the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and ancient Israelite religion and culture.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class sessions will involve prepared translations in Ugaritic as well as discussions, lectures, and student presentations on various topics.
REQUIRED READING:
Huehnergard, John. An Introduction to Ugaritic. Hendrickson, 2012. ISBN: 978-1598568202, Pub. Price$69.95. [246 pp.]
Parker, Simon B., ed. Ugaritic Narrative Poetry. SBLWAW 9. Scholars Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0788503375, Pub. Price $19.95 [75 pp. assigned].
Pardee, Dennis. Ritual and Cult at Ugarit. SBLWAW 10. Society of Biblical Literature, 2002. ISBN: 978-1589830264, Pub. Price $29.95 [75 pp. assigned].
Smith, Mark S. The Origins of Biblical Monotheism: Israel’s Polytheistic Background and Ugaritic Texts. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0195167689, Pub. Price $35.00 [352 pp.].
Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575060293, Pub. Price $37.50 [188 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus for recommended reading.
ASSIGNMENTS: The final grade will consist of the following components:
Participation in seminar discussions (30%).
Quizzes (10%).
Class presentations (30%).
FINAL paper (15 pp.) (30%).
PREREQUISITES: LG833/533. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for students with a concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature at the MA, ThM, and PhD levels. May be used to satisfy core course requirement for doctoral students in Old Testament. Elective for all others.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, final paper.